Hearst Media Production Group and Weigel Broadcasting Forge a New Era of Programming Partnership

Hearst Media Production Group and Weigel Broadcasting Expand Partnership

In an exciting development for fans of quality television, Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG) has announced that its partnership with Weigel Broadcasting Co. has been expanded significantly. This collaboration promises to enrich the viewing experience across several of Weigel’s multicast networks throughout 2026.

HMPG, known as a leading producer and distributor of unscripted series, has set the stage for new programming to reach audiences hungry for informative and engaging content. Starting this month, Weigel's Start TV network has begun airing HMPG’s popular series, Journey with Dylan Dreyer and Recipe Rehab with Evette Rios. Additionally, the forthcoming months will see the Heroes & Icons and Catchy Comedy networks introducing their share of HMPG shows, slated to launch in April and July, respectively. Notably, all new programs will be featured during weekend educational/informational (E/I) time slots, providing quality programming aimed at viewers of all ages.

Beyond this immediate expansion, HMPG will continue to supply programming for Dabl's three-hour Sunday morning E/I lineup throughout 2026, ensuring a robust offering of educational content. The combined outreach of the Start TV, Heroes & Icons, Catchy Comedy, and Dabl networks is impressive, with these channels accessible in most television markets across the United States. This gives millions of households the opportunity to tune in, whether they watch over the air, through cable, satellite, or via streaming services.

Frank Biancuzzo, president of HMPG, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting Weigel Broadcasting as an ideal platform for their award-winning weekly series. “With its strong portfolio of platforms and growing audience, Weigel Broadcasting is an ideal home for our award-winning weekly series,” he remarked. This partnership represents a strategic alignment, allowing both companies to leverage their strengths in content creation and distribution.

Neal Sabin, vice-chairman of Weigel Broadcasting, emphasized the potential of this collaboration by stating, “The partnership with HMPG further expands our lineup of high-quality content across our networks, bringing even more educational and engaging programming to viewers.” Sabin's statement reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality and diversity of content available to viewers, ensuring that audiences are treated to programs that inform, entertain, and inspire.

HMPG boasts an impressive portfolio, featuring over 30 original series and hundreds of hours of original content each year, making its mark on major broadcast networks and streaming platforms. Their extensive library includes more than 6,000 episodes, illustrating the breadth and depth of their programming capabilities. Additionally, their content is recognized and distributed in 100 countries, showcasing their international reach.

About Hearst Media Production Group
HMPG is an independent producer and distributor of original programming for various platforms, including broadcast, cable networks, and streaming services. Annually, they produce hundreds of hours of Emmy® Award-winning programming tailored for both domestic and international audiences. Renowned weekly educational/informational programming blocks, such as Weekend Adventure on ABC and Mi Telemundo on the Telemundo Network, highlight their commitment to quality content. In addition, HMPG is the force behind several dedicated FAST channels, catering to diverse viewer interests across popular smart TVs and streaming devices.

About Weigel Broadcasting Co.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, Weigel Broadcasting is a family-owned media powerhouse that operates national television networks alongside local broadcast stations throughout the U.S. The company is renowned in the television landscape with networks like MeTV, celebrated as the number one classic TV entertainment network. Weigel has carved a niche with original programming, including the beloved Svengoolie and Toon In With Me. Its local stations provide a dynamic mix of entertainment programming, news, and sports broadcasts, thereby enriching communities across more than 30 major U.S. markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

As these two organizations embark on this ambitious collaborative journey, viewers are sure to benefit from an enriched array of informative and entertaining programming designed to educate and engage effectively.